Summer EDC

The calendar says that Summer is almost upon us, but here in Houston, I’m not fooled – Summer has been here for about a month now. Summer of course means hotter temperatures, and when possible, fewer layers and less clothing. For those of us who carry concealed, fewer layers and less clothing means we have less to work with to conceal our guns.

Concealed carry in shorts and a t-shirt can be a challenge, depending on the gun and carry method you choose. This challenge isÂ exacerbatedÂ here in TX, where open carry is NOT legal, and neither is printing. Future rant coming on the topic for sure.

For many people, myself included, this usually translates into carrying a smaller gun. For me this has meant leaving my beloved Walther PPQ at home and instead carrying my almost equally beloved Smith & Wesson Shield. I give up a few rounds (ok, more than a few), but in return, I get a gun that is more easily concealed. Everything else about my EDC stays pretty much the same for Summer.

My EDC

Here are the things I carry on my person everyday, not counting the things in my EDC bag.
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21 Responses to Summer EDC

My EDC doesn’t change in South Texas my dress does a little. I’ll wear cargo shorts and a button shirt with sandles or tennis shoes. Then I can still wear my Glock 19, knife, wallet, phone, keys, lighter, and anything I would add for the place I’m going. The only time I wear a smaller gun is when I can’t be made.

I’ve only been carrying for a couple months, but a couple weeks ago I got myself a SmartCarry, and I love it. I use it whenever I need deep concealment, or usually when I wear shorts and light t-shirt. I live in MN so printing is not an issue, but it would be perfect if you did have those concerns. Obviously the draw is not as easy/quick as with a good IWB or OWB, but there are advantages and disadvantages to everything. I would much rather have my gun in a SmartCarry than have to leave it at home. It also works great for around the house when I may have sweatpants on with no belt.

If I’m wearing more than a t-shirt, or if I don’t care that I may print a little, then I use a King Tuk. With either holster I carry a XDm9 compact.

Here in Montgomery, TX (just a few miles from Houston) it does get hot. I have learned to buy my shirts one size larger to enable me to carry the same piece concealed without anybody noticing. They are hawaiian looking shirts that can be purchased very cheaply and no printing is noticed. I carry the Ruger SR9C, Glock 19 or my newest piece, Steyr S9-A1. My wife never knows which one I have on in my IWB holster from Shielded Holsters. I carry at the 2:30 position. You have to dress to carry, so my days of being stylish in sexy tight clothes is over. LOL

Jake, You can find an excellent review of the Shield from Brandon on this site. I looked at the Nano and the Shield, I had a really hard time making my decision but ultimately went shield. I can’t be happier, let everyone know how you like it.

To me, rounds and comfort are very important. That is why I carry a Ruger SR9C. It is so easy to conceal, excellent name brand, 10 + 1 cartridges. Almost 1911 like grip, feel, and look. I have tried to carry every gun I own, which is quite a number, but always go back to the Ruger. That should tell you something.

Brandon, I made a few changes myself. Removed the mag safety, filed the tip of the LCI down a little, polished the trigger assembly, installed Talon Grips, painted the front sight with white fingernail polish, rear with red for quick sight on target. Nothing voided the warranty. The thumb safety–I just do not use. I really love this gun.

Once the new Springfield XDs comes out in 9mm I’d really like to compare that with the Shield. I think one of those would be an ideal summer carry option. So far I can’t even find a Shield in my area, they’re gone as soon as the LGS gets em in.

Burts Bees is no friend of gun owners or hunters. She bought up 30,000acres in maine and posted it til she can get dontated to the goverment as a park which will also not allow hunting. She is as anti-gun as she is anti-hunting.
so i dont like Burts Bees but i do like your blog!